In case you caught my first publish from Gatebil Rudskogen 2023, you may already know that the occasion’s first two days have been distinctive. Saturday? Nicely, I might inform from the exhaust noise alarm that woke me up, it was going to be one other wild one.
With Thursday being very moist, it was cool seeing Gatebil in a unique mild. Friday was heat however acceptable, however Saturday was downright scorching. Not within the traditional style with clear blue skies and searing-hot daylight, however excessive in humidity.
Given it was nonetheless early at this level, I used to be shocked to see so many individuals already up and about. Certain, not everybody cuts completely free on the Friday evening afterparty, however that sub-event was packed and even I bought just a little funky with two cameras in hand. So I simply must put it all the way down to Gatebil Rudskogen being attended by a lot extra folks this 12 months.
Final 12 months – which was my first time on the occasion – I ran round like an absolute madman attempting to doc something and all the things. This 12 months I knew the venue higher, which meant I might get to locations sooner. I additionally bothered to learn the schedule every so often, which, belief me, actually helps.
Having stated that, testing the Showgarden was one of many very first issues on my checklist for Saturday.
Whereas the observe motion is what most Gatebil attendees sit up for essentially the most, the automobile present is a superb place to take a break from all of the insanity. That is to not say it would not get a bit rowdy at instances…
These guys made positive everybody knew they have been coming. Black exhaust smoke and loud rock music have that impact.
Whereas the Showgarden was largely made up of German automobiles, it was the Japanese stuff I used to be naturally drawn to. However let’s be actual – you are not right here to have a look at present automobiles, are you?
You are right here for the 2JZ-swapped Opel Ascona making a full-drift, full-noise overtake of a Supra.
Or one thing like this, maybe? OK, so Chevrolet Camaros fitted with 6.9L LS3 stroker engines good for 835 horsepower are distinctive at Gatebil, but it surely simply goes to point out that you need to all the time count on the surprising right here.
Each time the Professional Drift classes began, I hotfooted over it to that initiation spot. If you do not know what I am speaking about, I am going to let Fredric Aasbø and Mad Mike educate you on this clip from 9 years in the past.
With solely a metal barrier between you and sure loss of life, it is exhausting to place into phrases what it is prefer to see a drift automobile coming at you, at over 200km/h sideways. Whereas Fredric did do some runs, it was not possible for me to get a clear image – he was simply too rattling quick!
If I needed to describe the folks of Gatebil in a single sentence, I might borrow a line from the late, nice Tina Turner: merely the very best. You do not have to look far to seize folks having a good time – you simply level your digital camera in any course and it will discover them. Whereas most individuals headed trackside to the stands, others saved the Gatebil celebration going within the campgrounds.
The final track-based exercise on Saturday’s schedule is the occasion’s greatest, evident by simply how busy the paddock and pit lane get. I am speaking in regards to the Breisladden.
With over 100 automobiles vying to take advantage of smoke by a high-speed energy drift, it felt prefer it went on without end – not that anybody within the crowd was complaining. Nevertheless, there was one specific group of folks that actually beloved what they have been seeing.
Meet the loudest, proudest and happiest folks at Gatebil Rudskogen 2023 – the Icelanders.
Every time any one of many six Icelandic drivers accomplished their run, the Icelandic crowd went completely nuts. Even Norway’s Morten Lyngøy joined within the enjoyable and rocked Iceland flags on the again of his Toyota Supra. I may be biased since I am from Iceland, however this was my absolute favourite factor about Gatebil this 12 months.
The Breisladden has been a Gatebil staple for a few years, and I will be taking a more in-depth have a look at the spectacle in an upcoming highlight.
As you’d count on, Saturday evening brings larger artists to the afterparty stage and much more folks to observe them carry out.
The beers have been flowing, however once they began flying it was my cue to get the hell out of the hazard zone. Gatebil Rudskogen 2023’s afterparty was a banger, and I am positive for a lot of an evening to recollect. Or do not keep in mind.
Till Subsequent Time, Rudskogen
The ultimate day at Gatebil is all the time bittersweet. You need the occasion to final without end, however on the identical time the considered collapsing onto your personal mattress turns into increasingly interesting. However the celebration wasn’t over simply but.
The fervour proven by the folks within the stands is what makes Gatebil, Gatebil. To return trackside to observe yet another drift run, yet another time assault race, or keep till the very finish of the wildest lengthy weekend of the summer time is true dedication to the trigger. The electrical power by no means falters. That is the Gatebil means.
The Breisladden ultimate is what most individuals hold round to see.
After an ideal run in his S15 Nissan Silvia, Øyvind Bogen took dwelling the crown for the third 12 months operating.
The occasion’s ultimate competitors is the Gatebil Excessive time assault race. Right here, 17 automobiles battle it out to see who can set the quickest lap, however with all automobiles on observe on the identical time.
For long-time Speedhunters readers, Kai Roger Bakken wants no introduction. KRB’s builds are out of this world, and his newest – a Lotus Esprit on steroids – has been the Gatebil Excessive class automobile to beat for a number of years.
This 12 months it was crushed, with Mads Siljehaug taking the win in his KTM GT2. It positively wasn’t a stroll within the park although; Mads beat Kai’s finest time of 1:23.398 by simply 0.098 seconds.
I do not usually hold round for award ceremonies, however I made positive to take a look at the final one in every of Gatebil Rudskogen 2023.
Earlier than I headed again to my trackside lodging to pack for dwelling, I needed to say goodbye to my fellow Icelanders and seize a photograph. I might inform that nobody needed to depart for Iceland, however I am positive they’re going to be again subsequent 12 months. Will I be coming again to Rudskogen Motorsenter in summer time 2024? Like it’s for a lot of, Gatebil has turn into an annual custom, so sure I’ll.
The true query is, will you be there?
Alain Hasetta
Instagram: hazetaa
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